The Anthurium ‘Black Winner’ is a captivating houseplant prized for its unique, dark foliage and striking, almost black spathes. This hybrid features leathery leaves with a silky, metallic sheen. Its distinctive appearance and continuous blooming make it a popular choice for indoor plant collections.
Essential Care for Your Anthurium ‘Black Winner’
Light Requirements
Anthurium ‘Black Winner’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. An east or west-facing window provides gentle sunlight without harsh direct rays. Direct sun can scorch leaves, causing crisping and discoloration. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and faded coloration.
Watering Practices
Watering is crucial for Anthurium ‘Black Winner’, as it prefers consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering causes root rot, a common issue for anthuriums, while complete drying leads to leaf tip burn or wilting. Adequate drainage holes are essential to prevent roots from sitting in standing water.
Soil Mix
Anthurium ‘Black Winner’ needs a well-draining, airy potting mix for root aeration. A suitable mix includes orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coconut coir. This chunky substrate allows good drainage while retaining some moisture, benefiting root health. This blend mimics the epiphytic nature of anthuriums, which grow on other plants in nature.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants thrive in warm, consistent temperatures, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), though they can tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F. Temperatures below this range can damage foliage and impede growth. High humidity, 60% or higher, is also beneficial. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or group plants together to create a humid microclimate.
Feeding Your Plant
During the active growing season (spring through summer), feed your Anthurium ‘Black Winner’ to support growth and flowering. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, is recommended for monthly application. A higher phosphorus content may promote blooming. Anthuriums are not heavy feeders, so avoid over-fertilization, which can cause yellowing or browning leaves.
Common Issues and Solutions
Anthurium ‘Black Winner’ can exhibit signs of stress from improper care, often manifesting as changes in its foliage. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of overwatering, indicating that the roots are suffocating from too much moisture. Allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings resolves this. Browning leaf tips or edges point to low humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity and ensuring consistent moisture can alleviate these symptoms.
Stunted growth or lack of flowering can result from insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. Move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location and provide fertilization during the growing season. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs may infest anthuriums, visible as sticky residues or small insects. Address these issues promptly with horticultural treatments to maintain plant health.
Root rot, caused by soggy soil, presents as mushy or blackening roots and leads to plant decline. Improving drainage and watering habits is key for recovery.
Repotting and Maintenance
Repotting your Anthurium ‘Black Winner’ is necessary every two to three years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots emerging from drainage holes or a decline in plant vigor. Spring is a good time for repotting, as the plant is entering its active growth period. Choose a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one.
When repotting, carefully remove the plant from its old container and gently loosen any circling roots. Trim away any damaged or rotting roots before placing the plant in the fresh, well-draining potting mix. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to help the new soil settle around the roots.
Beyond repotting, routine maintenance includes wiping dust from the leaves for efficient photosynthesis. Also, prune any yellowed, dead, or spent spathes at their base to encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s appearance.